Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone, the Director, Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre (REPRC), has decried the spate of forest loss and its consequences on the ecosystem.
Chukwuone, a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nnsukka, made the expression at a conference on forest degradation in Calabar on Monday.
The conference was organised by the Environment for Development (EfD Nigeria) in partnership with REPRC.
It assembled environmentalists to brainstorm on how to reduce emissions caused by massive deforestation and forest degradation in the nation.
According to the organisers, the meeting aimed to provide direction towards implementing the United Nations Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Degradation (UN-REDD+) project in Nigeria.
Chukwuone stated that Nigeria’s humid primary forest decreased by 9.4 per cent between 2001 to 2023, and that during the period, the country lost 1.33 mega-hectare of tree cover.
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“This is equivalent to tree cover decrease of 13 per cent, and 724 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emission,” he said.
The professor said that besides reducing carbon emission, REDD+ projects must impact local livelihoods in order to be seen as successful.
In his presentation, Dr Moses Ama, the National Coordinator, REDD+ Secretariat, said that the project provided a huge opportunity for policy measures towards tackling deforestation and enhance carbon sinks.
“There is no universal approach to implementing REDD+ projects. No single entity can do it alone, it is essential for stakeholders to collaborate.
“Groups and communities should increase their dedication to this action because by working together, we can effectively respond to the pressing need for implementing REDD+ project,” he said.
Mr George Oben-Etchi, the Chairman Cross River Forestry Commission, expressed confidence that the REDD+ project would succeed in the state.
He commended EfD Nigeria for organising the conference, and described it as a good omen.
